Best Washington to Minnesota Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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WA to MN Moving Specialists

Moving from one state to another is always an adventure, filled with new opportunities and experiences that beckon. You're trading the evergreen expanses of Washington, with its coffee culture and misty mountains, for Minnesota's friendly faces, "Land of 10,000 Lakes," and vibrant seasonal changes. Given the distance and the life changes ahead, it is crucial to rely on trusted and professional movers to ensure your belongings are safely transitioned. We, at Great Guys Moving, use an unbiased algorithm to help you find the best movers, making sure your journey from the Pacific Northwest to the North Star State is as smooth as possible.

Washington iconArrow iconMinnesota icon

Best Washington to Minnesota Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Seattle Moves & More9.55A+Authorized For HHGContact
Metro Movers9.50NRAuthorized For PropertyContact
John Volken Academy Movers9.34NRAuthorized For HHGContact
General Expert Moving Service LLC9.28NRAuthorized For HHGContact
First Due Movers9.26A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Help-U-Move9.22A+Authorized For PropertyContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Minnesota to Washington guide.

6 Best WA to MN Moving Companies

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

S
Exceptional9.55/10
based on 1,243+ data points

About Seattle Moves & More

Based in Seattle, Seattle Moves & More is a licensed, insured, and premier moving company in Seattle, WA, known for its exceptional services...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential & Commercial Moving
  • Long-Distance Relocation
  • Furniture Packing and Unpacking

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2962927 / 5796

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved31,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
Metro Movers Logo
Exceptional9.50/10
based on 1,008+ data points

About Metro Movers

Metro Movers, a licensed and insured transport and logistics company in Minnesota, was founded by two childhood friends with a shared vision...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Business Moving
  • Long Distance Residential Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3742268 / 1503884

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved16,000 (2023)
View Full Review
2
John Volken Academy Movers Logo
Exceptional9.34/10
based on 1,571+ data points

About John Volken Academy Movers

John Volken Academy Movers is a not-for-profit moving company that helps people move across Western and Eastern Washington. This local busin...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Residential Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2261169 / 1666977

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved200 (2015)
View Full Review
3
General Expert Moving Service LLC Logo
Exceptional9.28/10
based on 528+ data points

About General Expert Moving Service LLC

General Expert Moving Service LLC is a family-owned moving company based in Minnesota. It started with two brothers and a pickup truck back ...Read More >>

Services

  • Cheap moving
  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2846187 / 1285395

Authorized For HHG

Carrier/Shipper

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers24
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2024)
View Full Review
4
First Due Movers Logo
Exceptional9.26/10
based on 1,542+ data points

About First Due Movers

First Due Movers is based in Preston, Washington, but offers nationwide moving services. The company is actually owned by local Washington f...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential Moves
  • Commercial Moves
  • Long-Distance Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1990914 / 865709

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans12
Registered Drivers20
Total Annual Miles Moved205,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
Help-U-Move Logo
Exceptional9.22/10
based on 1,091+ data points

About Help-U-Move

Help-U-Move is a veteran-owned, locally operated small business in Pasco that handles over 4,000 moves yearly. It has provided residential a...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Statewide Moving
  • Out of State Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

482337 / 252568

Authorized For Property

Carrier/Shipper

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers20
Total Annual Miles Moved5,000 (2022)
View Full Review
6
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington to Minnesota

Moving across states is a major decision that requires careful consideration of various factors. This guide aims to provide you with a balanced perspective by comparing the advantages of relocating from Washington to Minnesota and vice versa. Understanding both the positive and negative aspects will help you make an informed decision about your relocation.

CONs
PROs
Washington iconWashington
  • High cost of living
  • Frequent rain
  • Heavy traffic
  • Less community feel
Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • More affordable housing
  • Distinct seasons
  • Less congested roads
  • Strong local communities
Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • Colder winters
  • Less urban vibrancy
  • Fewer tech opportunities
  • Harsher winters
Washington iconWashington
  • Lush green landscapes
  • Vibrant city life
  • Abundant tech jobs
  • Mild winters

Considering the move from Washington to Minnesota, you'll trade the Pacific Northwest's lush landscapes and vibrant urban life for the welcoming Midwestern communities and the enchanting beauty of distinct seasons in Minnesota. In Minneapolis, for instance, the community focus is evident in the well-maintained neighborhood parks like Minnehaha Park and in the warm, friendly atmosphere of local establishments such as the Sebastian Joe's Ice Cream café. While Washington offers a tech-driven economy with ample opportunities, Minnesota counters with a robust job market in healthcare and education, among other sectors. Notably, Minnesota's colder winters pave the way for unique experiences such as ice fishing on Lake Minnetonka or the vibrant scene of the winter carnival in St. Paul, offering a new set of adventures for those moving from Washington.

Washington vs. Minnesota Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Washington & Minnesota, highlighting how food reflects the cultural essence and lifestyle of an area. Whether you're a food enthusiast or simply curious, this guide will offer a peek into the culinary scene awaiting you in your new home.

WashingtonMinnesota
Most iconic local food itemSalmonWalleye
Most popular meat dishTeriyakiHotdish
Most popular street food itemTacosJuicy Lucy
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa BowlWild Rice Burger
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Canlis
  • The Herbfarm
  • Salumi
  • Spoon and Stable
  • Matt's Bar
  • Café Alma
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Both Washington and Minnesota boast unique culinary scenes reflective of their local cultures and natural resources. In Washington, the abundance of seafood, especially salmon, often prepared with Asian influences like teriyaki, showcases the state's Pacific Rim connections. Street food scenes in cities like Seattle flourish with a variety of tacos, reflecting a vibrant immigrant influence. Minneapolis, Minnesota, offers a different palate with its iconic Juicy Lucy—a cheese-stuffed burger that's a must-try for any resident. Hotdish, Minnesota's answer to casserole, echoes the state's cozy, comfort-food ethos. For vegans moving to either state, Washington's plethora of plant-based options like the quinoa bowl stands out, while Minnesota's wild rice burger offers a local vegan twist. Iconic eateries, from Seattle's Canlis, known for its fine dining and innovative Pacific Northwest cuisine, to Minneapolis's Spoon and Stable, which showcases Midwest flavors with a French twist, highlight the diverse culinary landscapes awaiting newcomers.

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Washington vs. Minnesota Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial for a seamless transition. Comparing Washington and Minnesota in terms of housing helps you make informed decisions on where to plant your roots next.

ComparisonWashingtonMinnesota
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman, ContemporaryRanch, Cape Cod
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingStainless steel appliances, granite countertopsHardwood floors, fenced backyards

Both Washington and Minnesota offer unique housing characteristics, from the median home prices—higher in Washington due to its booming tech sector—to the distinct architectural styles, reflecting each state's cultural heritage. In Washington, you'll find a lot of Craftsman and contemporary homes, especially around urban areas like Seattle, mirroring its innovative spirit. Minnesota's housing, on the other hand, often features Ranch and Cape Cod styles, echoing its more traditional Midwest values. This blend of architecture points to the state’s appreciation for both the classic and the practical, particularly in cities like Minneapolis. When considering a move, reflect on these aspects to choose a state that aligns with your lifestyle preferences and needs.

Washington vs. Minnesota Weather Considerations

Moving from one location to another means adjusting not just to a new community but also to a new climate. In this guide, we compare the weather between Washington and Minnesota to help you understand what changes to expect. This comparison will assist you in preparing for your relocation by considering everything from temperature variations to natural disasters .

Summer icon
75°F / 55°F

Washington

83°F / 63°F

Minnesota

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
47°F / 37°F

Washington

24°F / 7°F

Minnesota

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
38

Washington

28

Minnesota

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
5

Washington

54

Minnesota

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonWashingtonMinnesota
Air QualityGoodVariable
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, VolcanoesTornadoes, Blizzards
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When you move from Washington to Minnesota, one of the most noticeable changes will be in winter temperatures and snowfall. Winters in Minnesota are significantly colder, with average lows in the single digits and substantially more snow — up to 54 inches annually compared to Washington's 5 inches. This means you'll need a warmer wardrobe and be prepared for snow activities and driving in snowy conditions. Minnesota offers more sunny days per year, which can positively affect your mood and outdoor activity options. The difference in natural disaster risks, from earthquakes and volcanoes in Washington to tornadoes and blizzards in Minnesota, also requires new awareness and preparation strategies.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Washington to Minnesota

Moving between states can be a major life change, especially when it comes to finances. To make your transition smoother, it's crucial to understand how your cost of living and overall economic environment between Washington and Minnesota will compare. This guide helps shed light on these differences.

ComparisonWashingtonMinnesota
Avg. Household Income$91,306$82,338
Cost of Living Index104.198.75
State Income Tax05.35 - 9.85
Avg. Property Tax0.931.08
Avg. Sales Tax9.177.45
Top 3 IndustriesAerospace, Technology, AgricultureManufacturing, Agriculture, Mining
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessHighModerate

While both Washington and Minnesota offer strong economic opportunities, there are notable differences in the cost of living and taxation. Washington's higher average household income is accompanied by a higher cost of living and sales tax, but no state income tax. In contrast, Minnesota's cost of living is lower, though residents face a variable state income tax. The top industries in each state reflect their unique economic landscapes, impacting job opportunities in different sectors. Additionally, Washington's higher homelessness rate versus Minnesota's moderate rate outlines societal challenges confronted by each state. These comparisons are vital for those considering the move and planning a budget accordingly.

Washington vs. Minnesota Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from Washington to Minnesota, it's beneficial to understand the differences in the community you'll be joining. This comparison gives a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Washington & Minnesota, helping you gauge the social landscape you'll be moving into.

WashingtonMinnesota
Political Make-upLiberal, Democratic-leaningMixed, with both Democratic and Republican representation
Local PoliticsProgressive urban centers, with conservative rural areasSocially progressive, with a strong emphasis on community and education
ReligionLess religiously affiliated overallHigher rates of religious affiliation, Lutheran predominance

In both states, the political landscape varies significantly between urban and rural areas, though Minnesota tends to showcase a more balanced bipartisan representation, especially in statewide elections. Notably, Minnesota has a strong tradition of social progressivism, deeply influenced by its significant Lutheran community, which contributes to its unique local politics emphasizing community support and education. Meanwhile, Washington's larger cities like Seattle are known for their progressive stances, affecting the state's policies and political climate, though its rural regions tend to lean more conservative. This dynamic creates a diverse environment for newcomers to navigate.

Education Guide When Moving from Washington to Minnesota

Relocating can be a giant leap, but understanding educational choices makes it easier to land smoothly. This comparison aims to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Washington and Minnesota, facilitating an informed decision for your family’s education journey.

WashingtonMinnesota

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Washington
Washington State University
Western Washington University
University of Minnesota
Minnesota State University
University of St. Thomas

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Cascade K-8 Community School (Shoreline)
Challenge Elementary (Bellevue)
Discovery Primary School (Gig Harbor)
Deephaven Elementary (Minnetonka)
Greenwood Elementary (Plymouth)
Hale Elementary (Minneapolis)

Top 3 Middle Schools

International School (Bellevue)
Washington Middle School (Olympia)
Mercer International Middle School (Seattle)
Wayzata Central Middle School (Plymouth)
Minnetonka Middle School East (Minnetonka)
Eastview Middle School (Apple Valley)

Top 3 High Schools

Bellevue High School (Bellevue)
International School (Bellevue)
Newport High School (Bellevue)
Edina High School (Edina)
Minnetonka High School (Minnetonka)
Wayzata High School (Plymouth)

Top 3 private high schools

The Overlake School (Redmond)
Annie Wright Schools (Tacoma)
Lakeside School (Seattle)
Breck School (Golden Valley)
The Blake School (Minneapolis)
St. Paul Academy (St. Paul)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

The Bear Creek School (Redmond)
The Bush School (Seattle)
Eastside Preparatory School (Kirkland)
Breck School (Golden Valley)
The Blake School (Hopkins)
Mounds Park Academy (St. Paul)

Top 3 School Districts

Bellevue School District
Mercer Island School District
Lake Washington School District
Minnetonka Public Schools
Edina Public Schools
Wayzata Public Schools

When moving from Washington to Minnesota, you'll find both states offer robust educational options, but with distinct local flavors. For instance, Washington's top colleges like the University of Washington, focus heavily on research and technology, reflecting the state's dynamic tech industry. Minnesota's top choice, the University of Minnesota, is renowned for its comprehensive programs and vibrant campus life in the Twin Cities. For families, the choice between public and private schooling is rich in both states. Washington's Bellevue and Mercer Island School Districts are noted for their academic excellence, mirroring Minnesota's equally prestigious Minnetonka and Edina Public Schools. Whichever state you choose, you’re assured access to some of the best educational opportunities in the country.

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